In this episode, Leigh Brown asks if you believe we are in a new market shift in real estate. You will be able to get some great insights and suggestions from Leigh as she is one of the most well-known speakers and thought leaders in the real estate industry. She has been selling real estate for several years and is the founder of One Community Real Estate® in Concord, NC. She has written three books, hosts two podcasts, and speaks all over the country. Leigh and Monica discuss the information REALTORS® can get from their MLS, their Chamber of Commerce, as well as the news, in order to inform their clients of the most up to date information. They also discuss the importance of networking, and using data to help make decisions. Leigh insists that REALTORS® need to keep current on changing conditions and educate their buyers and sellers with the most relevant information in order to navigate this market shift.   [2:35] Monica welcomes Leigh Thomas Brown to The Center for Real Estate Development Podcast to talk about The Shift. Leigh compares the shift in real estate now with the shift in ’07. [5:23] You have to figure out the new conditions in a shift. In March of 2020, a house that earlier would have sold in minutes was sold in seven days. Now it takes longer. The busiest REALTORS® see the changes in the marketplace first. Once you see them, you need to educate sellers and buyers or you will get behind the REALTORS® who will figure out the shift and leapfrog you. [7:16] In the big recession in 2007, REALTORS® didn’t see the shift, didn’t get educated quickly enough, and didn’t adapt their expectations quickly enough. If you’re not dialed in, you can hurt people. [8:11] Monica watches her local group's Facebook pages to stay current with local market conditions. It’s also great to see local REALTORS® supporting newer REALTORS®with their experience. [10:43] Going to in-person events allows you to build relationships that will last through your career. Take classes to network with long-time mega-listing agents. There is no better resource for an early-career REALTOR® than a long-time agent who has been through a shift. They know how to conduct themselves when the phones stop ringing and everything seems to be coming apart. [12:46] Leigh tells how she acted in 2007 when her phone stopped ringing. Going to events would have helped her. An experienced agent would have reassured her that houses will still be bought and sold. [13:56] Leigh defines a shift as market conditions that cause people to behave differently in real estate. She notes several market conditions that have happened together. An agent can see a shift first by keeping track of Days on Market and price reductions on MLS. [17:04] Leigh lists some of the conditions defining the current shift, showing how complex the real estate market is. Being a real estate professional doesn’t mean being a financial/business expert but you need to be aware of what’s happening. It helps you talk to your clients who are also reading the news. Real estate is a financial tool as well as a living and home tool. [17:50] Monica refers to Episode 70, featuring Josh Cadillac, about the different areas that affect the real estate market and how to talk to clients about them. [19:43] Leigh tells how an agent in her office used statistics from MLS. MLS is much more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and prices. Put the best information possible into the MLS so every agent has the information for their clients to create a match. Check out the History button on every comp property. Print it out and attach it to the comp. Highlight all the times it has changed price. [23:55] Let people know markets are fluid in a shift. Also, every house is a combination of condition and price. Look at Feedback on the listing to see more about the house. [26:02] Call your MLS and ask the data person to do training at your brokerage. Learn how to use the Statistical Analysis Module (SAM) to look at the month-over-month of ZIP